IN CONVERSATION WITH APHELELE MATINISE
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Final-year students at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) say they are deeply anxious about the uncertainty surrounding their academic year after violent protests led to the suspension of all classes.
“The recent suspension of classes is negatively affecting our future and delaying our completion of a degree. With this going on, there’s no certainty for our future at this point academically,” said Retabile Bottoman, a final-year Bachelor of Administration student in Public Administration.
The unrest began on *6 October 2025*, when students demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor *Professor Sakhela Buhlungu*, accusing university management of poor governance, illegitimacy, and ignoring student concerns.
Bottoman, who aspires to work in government and understand South Africa’s law-making processes, fears the disruptions could derail her plans.
“It is very difficult to stay patient and calm at this point, as the academic calendar needs restructuring, which means exams might not take place as early as expected,” she said.
“Now I am home with no transportation money to even go back to campus. I come from a disadvantaged background with no parents working. Striving for this degree was my way of uplifting my family,” she added.
The protests turned violent, resulting in *at least six buildings being torched* — including the administration block at the *Dikeni (formerly Alice) campus* and the *Education building in East London*. On *8 October*, Buhlungu announced the closure of all university campuses, with damages estimated between *R250 million and R500 million*.
Another final-year student, *Yongama Gusha*, who is pursuing a degree in *Library and Information Science*, said he was particularly concerned about the loss of important student data and academic records.
“The news about the fire at the admin building is concerning, and I do worry about the potential loss of student records. As a final-year student, I’m anxious about ensuring that my documents and records are safe and accessible when I need them,” said Gusha.
He added that the suspension of classes has created major uncertainty for those completing their studies:
“The situation has been quite challenging for me, especially being in my final year and having to submit my research. I’m worried about the impact on our academic progress and the potential delay in completing our degrees, as I expected to be done at least by early November.”
With no clear indication of when the university will reopen, many Fort Hare students remain stranded at home — uncertain about when, or how, they will complete the academic year.
“The recent suspension of classes is negatively affecting our future and delaying our completion of a degree. With this going on, there’s no certainty for our future at this point academically,” said Retabile Bottoman, a final-year Bachelor of Administration student in Public Administration.
The unrest began on *6 October 2025*, when students demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor *Professor Sakhela Buhlungu*, accusing university management of poor governance, illegitimacy, and ignoring student concerns.
Bottoman, who aspires to work in government and understand South Africa’s law-making processes, fears the disruptions could derail her plans.
“It is very difficult to stay patient and calm at this point, as the academic calendar needs restructuring, which means exams might not take place as early as expected,” she said.
“Now I am home with no transportation money to even go back to campus. I come from a disadvantaged background with no parents working. Striving for this degree was my way of uplifting my family,” she added.
The protests turned violent, resulting in *at least six buildings being torched* — including the administration block at the *Dikeni (formerly Alice) campus* and the *Education building in East London*. On *8 October*, Buhlungu announced the closure of all university campuses, with damages estimated between *R250 million and R500 million*.
Another final-year student, *Yongama Gusha*, who is pursuing a degree in *Library and Information Science*, said he was particularly concerned about the loss of important student data and academic records.
“The news about the fire at the admin building is concerning, and I do worry about the potential loss of student records. As a final-year student, I’m anxious about ensuring that my documents and records are safe and accessible when I need them,” said Gusha.
He added that the suspension of classes has created major uncertainty for those completing their studies:
“The situation has been quite challenging for me, especially being in my final year and having to submit my research. I’m worried about the impact on our academic progress and the potential delay in completing our degrees, as I expected to be done at least by early November.”
With no clear indication of when the university will reopen, many Fort Hare students remain stranded at home — uncertain about when, or how, they will complete the academic year.
